New Zealand caught in spinner's web

R. Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha tormented the New Zealand top-order as India ended Day 2 of the first Test at Hyderabad in a commanding position. Having put up a 1st innings score of 438 courtesy a tremendous maiden hundred by Pujara, India had New Zealand reeling at 106 for 5 at close of play on Day 2, still trailing the Indian total by 332.

India began the day on a cautious note. Dhoni and Pujara trying to see off the initial spell from Martin and Co. with the ball still relatively new. Ross Taylor, the New Zealand captain opted for an in-out field as he had employed from very early on Day 1. Clearly he did not want India to get away with a flurry of boundaries.

New Zealand missed an easy run-out opportunity shortly after the first drinks-break. McCullum at cover did not gather the ball cleanly and gave Pujara a reprieve when the batsman was on 133. There were a few edges which did not carry to the keeper and the slip cordon and the general feeling was that they were standing a bit too deep for sub-continent conditions.

The pair gradually started to dominate the bowling and the boundaries started to flow. Dhoni reached a well-compiled half century and soon Pujara got to his 150 pulling Bracewell to the deep fine-leg boundary. They put together a century partnership for the 6th wicket.

India went into Lunch at 371 for 5.

Dhoni and Pujara continued from where they had left before the break. They milked the bowling putting the odd lose one away to the boundary. Chris Martin ran in and bowled with heart but the pitch wasn't offering too much help.

Jeetan Patel was introduced into the attack and completely against the run of play he provided the first breakthrough of the day. Cheteshwar Pujara who had shown fantastic temperament and poise during his maiden Test century, suddenly had a rush of blood and lofted Patel only to mistime the shot for an easy catch to mid-on- the end of a majestic innings of 159! It also brought an end to a wonderful partnership of 127 between him and Dhoni. Ashwin came out and immediately got after Jeetan Patel- dancing down the track and lofting him over mid on- maybe a ploy to score some psychological points against his counterpart! India crossed the 400 mark.

Dhoni was looking to take a few more risks now and attack the bowling. He tried to clear Jeetan Patel over mid-off but only managed to hit it straight into the hands of Bracewell. He departed for a well crafted 73- an important innings for him at the start of the season given the fact he has struggled to score runs in Tests of late. Zaheer did not stick around for long and was sent back by Boult for a duck edging one to the keeper van Wyk who took a splendid diving catch. India had moved to 414 for 8. Ashwin continued to play his shots and was timing the ball beautifully. He was finally dismissed for 37 stumped by van Wyk to become Patel's 4th victim of the innings. Meanwhile Ojha had faced 25 deliveries and still hadn't opened his account. He remained unbeaten on 4 as the innings ended on 438 with Yadav's run-out. Patel and Boult were the pick of the Kiwi bowlers picking up 4 and 3 wickets each respectively. The post-Lunch session belonged to the visitors as they picked up 5 Indian wickets conceding just 51 runs.

New Zealand got off to a good start and McCullum looked aggressive. Dhoni soon decided to turn to his spinners. He introduced Ojha into the attack. McCullum went for an extravagant drive but could not manage to keep the ball down and was caught by Kohli at extra-cover. Ashwin was introduced from the other end and he struck with his first ball. He got rid of the stylish Martin Guptill who was struggling to rotate the strike. He had made 2 off 25 deliveries. That brought the New Zealand captain Ross Taylor to the crease. But he did not stay there for long. Ashwin sent him packing, again caught by Kohli at backward short leg. Flynn was looking good at the crease and playing with a positive intent. Unfortunately for New Zealand he was to become Ashwin's third victim of the session as he was lbw trying to sweep a ball pitched on off-stump. Kane Williamson and James Franklin then batted with caution. The talented Williamson did not have too many problems facing the spinners. The Indian spinners bowled a tight line and length. They did not give anything to the New Zealand batsmen to put away. The New Zealand pair were determined not to lose any more wickets in the day. They managed to keep the spinners at bay and added a dogged 44 run stand off 128 balls before Ojha tossed one up around the off-stump and tempted Williamson to go for a cut. The ball bounced a bit more than the batsman expected and he could only manage to edge a sitter to Sehwag at first slip. He was dismissed for 32. New Zealand were now in dire straits at 99 for 5. They ended Day 2 on 106 for 5 with James Franklin unbeaten on 31 and van Wyk yet to open his account.

The writing is on the wall for the New Zealand. They would need a miracle to get out of this one. A bit of divine intervention courtesy the rain-gods may just delay the inevitable. They still need a further 133 to avoid the follow-on - a daunting challenge ahead for the visitors!